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Article Series: Menopause
Menopause Symptoms and Relief
Menopause:
Herbal Supplements
There are a number of herbal supplements available
on the market that may help women deal with their menopause
symptoms. Among the most common symptoms of menopause are depression,
anxiety and hot flashes. Women are seeking alternatives to
traditional medication to solve these problems. Some of the
most common herbal and botanical supplements are listed below:
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, a flowering plant that grows naturally in Eastern
North America, contains phytochemicals that are believed to
relieve symptoms of menopause. Black cohosh is thought to contain
phytoestrogens, specifically isoflavones, which bind to estrogen
receptors in your body.
Plant estrogens work very much like your natural estrogen,
helping to produce lubrication in your vagina, working to control
temperature, and helping to strengthen bones. Black cohosh
works directly on your hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature
and hormone production, and is believed to be the cause of
many of the symptoms that come accompany menopause
Benefits of Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a great reliever of many menopause symptoms
including night sweats, anxiety, and depression. Black cohosh
is thought to reduce hot flashes by reducing the luteinizing
hormone in your body, which is associated with extreme temperature
fluctuations. In a recent study, 80% of women taking a black
cohosh supplement experienced a reduction in hot flashes, sweating,
and heart palpitations.
How to Take Black Cohosh
A variety of commercial companies provide black cohosh in
supplement form. It may be taken twice a day for six months,
but should not be taken for a longer period of time. Side effects
may include mild stomach upsets and headaches. It has also
been linked to an increase in liver enzymes. There have been
a few cases of liver inflammation due to overuse of black cohosh.
Dong Quai
Nicknamed the "female ginseng," Dong
quai is one of the foremost herbs used in treating symptoms
of menopause.
Otherwise known as Chinese Angelica, Don quai is an herb native
to China and is commonly used in Eastern medicine and cooking.
Dong quai increases your level of estrogen because it contains
phytoestrogens, which bind to the estrogen receptors in our
body. This increased estrogen works to reduce a variety of
menopausal symptoms.
Benefits of Dong Quai
Don quai dilates blood vessels, thereby increasing blood flow.
This works to relieve hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Additionally,
this herb helps to regulate estrogen levels in your body, which
also aid in relieving menopausal symptoms. Also, dong quai
is a mild sedative that may help to reduce mood swings and
stress.
How to Take Dong Quai
Dong quai is available in many different forms; however, the
easiest way to ingest the herb is in pill form. The daily recommended
dosage is between 400 and 600 mg. The Dong quai root may also
be steeped in water to create tea.
Maca Root
The Maca root has been used for centuries in South America,
Both the indigenous peoples of South America and the Spanish
have used the maca root for centuries. The maca root, when
combined with food, was thought to be an aphrodisiac. People
still eat it today for its sexual benefits. The maca root,
which resembles a radish, is also a great supplement for reducing
the frequency and intensity of menopausal symptoms.
Unlike black cohosh, the maca root does not contain plant
estrogens. Instead, it is an adaptogen: it helps to balance
out your body’s existing hormone system and encourages the
production of hormones. Maca root also contains high levels
of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron as well as Vitamins B1,
B2, B12, C, and E.
Benefits of Maca Root
Maca root encourages an increase and then a balance between
estrogen and progesterone, so it is highly beneficial to women
entering menopause. Increasing estrogen helps to reduce hot
flashes and vaginal dryness. Maca root may also lead to an
increase libido, restoring the sex drive that was lost during
menopause. Maca root is also believed to help reduce the effects
of memory loss and osteoporosis.
How to Take Maca Root
Maca root may be taken in capsule form three times a day,
preferably with meals, or it can be boiled and taken as a tea.
The daily recommended dose is around 900mg. # # # # #
SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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